AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has exeduded confidence ahead of Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia.
AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani is determined to overturn his team’s recent poor record against their arch-rivals Gor Mahia when the two FKF Premier League giants lock horns on March 2 at Kasarani Stadium.
More than just three points will be at stake, as the teams battle for pride and dominance in one of Kenya’s most historic football rivalries.
Gor Mahia has enjoyed dominance over Ingwe in recent years, with AFC Leopards often playing catch-up.
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The statistics from their last six encounters paint a grim picture for Leopards, who have only managed a single victory against K’Ogalo.
Last season, Gor Mahia continued their dominance by completing a double over their nemesis, winning the first-round fixture 2-0, before edging them 1-0 in the return leg.
These results played a crucial role in K’Ogalo’s triumphant run to their record 21st league title.
For Fred Ambani, this derby carries extra weight. Not only is it his first Mashemeji Derby as AFC Leopards’ head coach, but it is also a chance for him to mark his authority in one of the league’s biggest fixtures.
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Speaking to Tata Sport, ahead of Sundays’ clash, Ambani exuded confidence ahead of the highly-anticipated showdown.
“The derby has been highly anticipated by everyone, and now we can finally say the time is here,” Ambani stated.
“And now that it is here, the fans should expect a win. There is no coach who prepares his team to lose—every coach prepares his team to win, and I’m doing the same for AFC Leopards.”
He added, “That win will be very important for us and for me, especially given that this is my first time leading AFC in this fixture. As a player, I used to score against them a lot, so we just have to go back to the drawing board and cook up something to excite our fans.”
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Heading into the derby, Gor Mahia are enjoying a slightly better campaign than their rivals, though both teams remain within touching distance of the top. K’Ogalo sit third on the FKF Premier League table with 36 points from 21 matches, having recorded 10 wins, six draws, and five defeats.
AFC Leopards, on the other hand, are placed fifth with 34 points from nine wins, seven draws, and five losses.
The close gap between the two teams adds another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated fixture, as both sides are keen to improve their standing and maintain their title ambitions.
Historically, Gor Mahia have been the more successful of the two, boasting a record 21 FKF Premier League titles, while AFC Leopards have secured 12 league crowns.
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However, history counts for little in the heat of a derby, and for Ambani and his team, this clash represents a golden opportunity to turn the tide.
With bragging rights, three crucial points, and a chance to change the narrative, AFC Leopards will be aiming for nothing less than victory.
As the fans gear up for another thrilling installment of the Mashemeji Derby, all eyes will be on Ambani and his men to see if they can finally reclaim their place among Kenya’s elite footballing forces.